An itchy nipple is usually caused by something much less serious than breast cancer. Dry skin, eczema, allergic reactions, friction, soaps, detergents and other skin conditions can all make the nipple or areola itchy. However, a nipple rash that is persistent, mainly affects one side, starts directly on the nipple, becomes crusted or scaly, or does not improve as expected…
Being told that a breast lump is probably a fibroadenoma can bring two immediate questions: Will I need surgery? and Could it become breast cancer? The reassuring answer is that a fibroadenoma is a benign, noncancerous breast tumour, and many fibroadenomas do not need to be surgically removed. The National Cancer Institute describes fibroadenoma as a benign tumour made from…
Being told that you need a breast biopsy can be worrying, but a biopsy recommendation does not mean that breast cancer has already been diagnosed. A biopsy is performed because examination or imaging has found an area that needs tissue or cells examined under a microscope to determine what it actually represents. Is a breast biopsy painful? During a core…
If your mammogram or breast ultrasound report contains a number from BI-RADS 0 to BI-RADS 6, that number summarizes how the radiologist assessed the breast-imaging finding and what usually needs to happen next. The most important point about BI-RADS meaning is that a BI-RADS number is not the same as a cancer stage and, except for BI-RADS 6, it is…
Finding a breast lump can be frightening, but a lump does not automatically mean breast cancer. Many breast masses are caused by benign conditions such as cysts, fibroadenomas, fibrocystic changes, infections or fat necrosis. However, the way a lump feels cannot reliably tell you whether it is benign or cancerous, so a new or unexplained lump should be assessed by…
Being told that you need a breast biopsy can immediately raise an uncomfortable question: “Does this mean I have breast cancer?” The answer is no. A recommendation for biopsy means that a breast finding needs to be examined more closely. A biopsy removes cells or a small amount of tissue so a pathologist can determine what the abnormal area actually…
Yes. A later age at first full-term childbirth is associated with a somewhat higher risk of breast cancer compared with having a first full-term pregnancy at a younger age. However, delayed childbirth does not mean that a woman will develop breast cancer, and pregnancy timing is only one part of a much larger risk profile. The National Cancer Institute identifies…
Breast ultrasound is often the first imaging investigation for certain breast problems because it is non-invasive, uses sound waves rather than ionizing radiation, and can provide real-time information about a breast lump or focal abnormality. It is particularly useful as initial imaging in younger women with a palpable breast mass and may also be useful during pregnancy or when further…
You do not need to avoid wearing a bra while breastfeeding. A comfortable, properly fitted nursing or supportive bra is generally safe and may reduce breast movement, heaviness, and neck or back discomfort. The important issue is not whether you wear a bra, but whether the bra puts excessive pressure on your breasts. A bra that feels tight, leaves deep…
Yes, you can have a mammogram after breast implants. Women with saline or silicone implants should generally continue breast cancer screening according to their age, personal risk and doctor’s advice. However, mammography with breast implants requires additional care because an implant can hide some breast tissue on an X-ray. Tell the mammography facility about your implants when booking the appointment….